Where to find your Bank of America routing number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Bank of America branch holds your account. For wire transfers, you need the routing number that matches your account type and location, not just any BofA number.
The fastest way to find it: look at the bottom left corner of any check you have from that account. The first nine digits are your routing number. If you don't have a check, log into your Bank of America online account, go to Account Details, and the routing number appears there. You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and give them your account number — they'll confirm the correct routing number in seconds.
Do not use a general Bank of America routing number you find online. Different branches and account types use different routing numbers. Using the wrong one will delay your wire transfer or send money to the wrong place.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks — it's the first nine digits.
- Bank of America's online banking portal shows your routing number under Account Details without needing to call.
- The routing number must match your specific account type and branch location, not just any Bank of America number.
- Wire transfers require both your routing number and your account number, and using the wrong routing number can misdirect funds.
- If you're unsure which number is correct, call 1-800-432-1000 with your account number and they will confirm it.
Why Bank of America routing numbers vary by location
Bank of America operates through many regional processing centers, and each one has its own routing number. If you opened your account in California, your routing number is different from someone who opened theirs in New York, even though you both bank with BofA.
The routing number also depends on your account type. A checking account, savings account, and money market account at the same branch may use different routing numbers. This is why the check method works so well — the routing number printed on your checks is already the right one for that specific account.
How to confirm your routing number before sending a wire
Before you initiate a wire transfer, verify the routing number one more time. Write down both the routing number and the receiving account number on a separate piece of paper and read them back to yourself digit by digit. A single wrong digit sends your money to a different account or bank entirely.
If you're wiring money to someone else's account, ask them to confirm their routing number from their own check or bank statement — do not rely on what they tell you verbally. If you're receiving a wire into your Bank of America account, give the sender your routing number from your check or your online account details, and confirm it matches what they have written down.
Bank of America's online wire transfer tool will ask you to enter the routing number and usually shows you which bank it belongs to as a final check. If it says "Bank of America" and matches your branch location, you're ready to proceed.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you send a wire with an incorrect routing number, the money typically goes to a different bank or a different account at Bank of America. The sending bank may catch the error and reject the transfer, which delays it by a day or two. If the transfer goes through to the wrong place, recovering it is slow and uncertain — you'll need to file a claim with your bank and hope the receiving bank cooperates in returning the funds.
This is why verification before sending is critical. Once a wire leaves your account, you cannot cancel it the way you can cancel a check or a debit card transaction.
Using your routing number for other Bank of America transactions
Your routing number is also used for setting up direct deposit from your employer, automatic bill payments, and ACH transfers (slower transfers between banks that take one to three business days). The same routing number works for all of these, so once you have it confirmed, you can use it for any transaction that asks for it.
Keep your routing number somewhere safe but accessible — a note in your phone, a document on your computer, or written in a secure place at home. You'll need it regularly if you receive paychecks by direct deposit or pay bills electronically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank and branch (nine digits). Your account number identifies your specific account at that branch (usually 10 to 12 digits). Both are printed on your checks, and you need both for a wire transfer.
Can I use any Bank of America routing number for my wire?
No. You must use the routing number for your specific account. Using a different Bank of America routing number will send the wire to the wrong place. Check your checks or your online account to find the correct one.
What if I don't have checks for my Bank of America account?
Log into your online banking account and go to Account Details — the routing number is listed there. You can also call 1-800-432-1000 with your account number and they will give it to you immediately.
How long does a wire transfer take once I have the routing number?
Domestic wire transfers within the United States usually complete the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time (typically 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. local time). International wires take one to three business days depending on the receiving country.
Can I look up someone else's routing number if I know their bank?
You can find a general routing number for Bank of America online, but it may not be the correct one for their specific account. Always ask the person directly for their routing number from their check or bank statement to ensure the wire goes to the right place.